Head Chef

Overview

Are you a passionate, experienced Head Chef who wants your culinary skills to genuinely support people on their recovery journey?

At Seren Gobaith, a 62-bed independent mental health hospital in beautiful Rhyl on the North Wales coast, we believe great nutrition is a vital part of patient wellbeing. As our new Head Chef, you’ll lead a dedicated kitchen team to deliver high-quality, nutritious, and person-centred meals that respect individual dietary needs, cultural preferences, allergies, and the specific requirements of those living with mental health conditions.

Stunning coastal location in Rhyl with excellent work-life balance. Supportive, values-driven hospital regulated by Healthcare Inspectorate Wales. Real opportunity to shape catering that makes a tangible difference to patients every day

Ongoing training and development in a growing independent hospital

If you’re ready to bring your culinary expertise to a role where every meal matters, we’d love to hear from you.

Duties

Create and deliver varied, balanced menus for patients and staff in a 62-bed hospital setting. Oversee food production processes, from preparation to presentation, maintaining consistency and excellence in all dishes

Maintain our 5-star Food Hygiene Rating and full compliance with HIW and Welsh regulations

Manage budgets, stock, and local Welsh suppliers while minimising waste

Work closely with clinical teams on special diets and nutritional care

Lead, train, and inspire your kitchen team. Supervise and manage the kitchen team, including chefs and kitchen staff, ensuring efficient workflow and high standards of performance and ensuring food safety procedures

Develop innovative menus in collaboration, incorporating seasonal ingredients and current culinary trends

Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and maintain cleanliness standards throughout the kitchen

Manage inventory levels, order supplies, and control food costs to optimise operational efficiency

Qualifications

Essential

Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene in Catering Level 3 Award in Food Safety Valid Food Hygiene Certificate

Previous experience in mental health, NHS, or independent healthcare catering Experience managing teams of 5+ staff

Previous experience in mental health, NHS, or independent healthcare catering Experience managing teams of 5+ staff

Flexible approach to working hours Positive, professional attitude

Desirable

Level 4 Food Safety Management NVQ Level 3 Professional Cookery Nutrition or Dietetics qualification

Minimum 3 years as Head Chef or Senior Chef in a large-scale catering environment (hospital, care home, or 50+ covers)

Knowledge of HIW standards and Independent Health Care (Wales) Regulations 2011 Understanding of Mental Health (Wales) Measure 2010

Enhanced DBS clearance

Full UK driving licence. Interest in mental health recovery and nutrition

Pay: £14.42 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Free parking
• Gym membership
• On-site parking

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person